Draw yourself to the presence of God. Say, “Here I am, Lord. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your words.”

Read Isaiah 43:1-3

1 But now, this is what the Lord says—

he who created you, Jacob,

he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I give Egypt for your ransom,

Cush and Seba in your stead.

Allow the words to settle into your heart. What word or phrase catches your attention? Repeat that word or phrase in your mind as you savour it.

Insert your name in the blank spaces below as you re-read Isaiah 43:1-3.

But now, this is what the Lord says –

He who created you, _____,

He who formed you, _____:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned ______ by name; ______ is mine. When _____ passes through the waters, I will be with _____; and when _____ passes through the rivers, they will not sweep over _____. When ______ walks through the fire, _____ will not be burned; the flames will not set ______ ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, _____ ’s Saviour.”

Linger on that scene with your imagination. What do you see or hear?

Read the passage one more time, listening attentively. Has God invited you to respond to His words?

But now, this is what the Lord says –

He who created you, _____,

He who formed you, _____:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned ______ by name; ______ is mine. When _____ passes through the waters, I will be with _____; and when _____ passes through the rivers, they will not sweep over _____. When ______ walks through the fire, _____ will not be burned; the flames will not set ______ ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, _____ ’s Saviour.”

Share some of your thoughts and feelings from your personal time, and pray for each other and the following items:

“Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labour in vain.“ Psalm 127:1

Reciting Scriptures

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, 

for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the Lord of Lords: His love endures forever.”

Feedback

Have feedback about the Come and Pray? Please share with any of the elders (Lambert, Sharon, Edwin). We would love to hear from you. 

Have ideas what we should pray for? Or want to be involved with the planning? Let us know too!